Illustrated history of the United States mint / with a complete description of American coinage, from the earliest period to the present time

by Unknown

Costumes on Coins.

We also find stamped upon coins and medals the costumes of all ages, from the golden net confining the soft tresses of the “sorceress of the Nile,” and the gemmed robe of Queen Irene, to the broidered stomacher of Queen Anne, and the stately ruff of Elizabeth of England.

In this connection may be mentioned the “bonnet piece” of Scotland, a coin of the reign of James VI., which is extremely rare, one of them having been sold for £41. The coin received its name from a representation of the king upon it, with a curiously plaited hat or bonnet which this monarch wore, a fashion that gave occasion for the ballad, “Blue Bonnets over the Border.”